📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Sr. Director, North America Communications & Public Affairs
🔹 Company: Visa
🔹 Location: Washington, District of Columbia, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: IT Services and IT Consulting
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-22
🔹 Experience Level: 12+ years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (5-10% travel)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Designing, implementing, and executing strategic communications campaigns around Brand, Sponsorships, and Small Business Programs in North America.
- Leveraging Visa's sponsorship platforms (e.g., NFL, FIFA, Olympics/Paralympics, US Soccer Federation) to support business objectives at the local level.
- Creating integrated communications plans that increase business impact while mitigating risk across channels and audiences.
- Managing multiple agencies, budgets, and deadlines to ensure effective resource allocation and timely completion of projects.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong project management skills, and the ability to work effectively across teams and with external partners.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Serve as day-to-day communications lead on a cross-functional team designing and executing proactive programs that drive understanding of Visa's support for businesses of all sizes through bespoke initiatives, both in-person and online.
✅ Create integrated communications plans that increase business impact while mitigating risk across channels and audiences.
✅ Leverage Visa's sponsorship platforms to support business objectives at the local level in key cities and towns across the U.S. and Canada.
✅ Assist in creating and perfecting content of all types, including but not limited to: news releases, messaging, blog posts, social copy, executive briefing materials, opinion pieces, video scripts, recaps, and memos.
✅ Develop relationships with key influencers and media following small business, technology, marketing, and sports marketing trends, working closely with global media relations teams.
✅ Manage multiple agencies, budgets, and deadlines, ensuring effective resource allocation and timely completion of projects.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's Degree or at least 10 years of work experience with an Advanced degree (e.g., Masters/MBA /JD/MD), or a minimum of 5 years of work experience with a PhD
Experience: 12 or more years of work experience
Required Skills:
- Proven track record of developing and executing successful 360-degree comms initiatives that go beyond amplification to deliver measurable impact to a range of audiences.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience serving as a company spokesperson.
- Thoughtful, well-rounded team player who loves to learn, can see around corners, and who is comfortable both leading and executing through ambiguity.
- Great at managing up and down, across teams, projects, and functions.
- Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Skills:
- 15 or more years of experience with a Bachelor's Degree or 12 years of experience with an Advanced Degree (e.g., Masters, MBA, JD, or MD), PhD with 9+ years of experience.
- Mix of agency and internal (corporate) experience preferred.
- Experience across a range of communications specialties, including customer programs, events, brand comms, social and digital media, storytelling, public affairs.
- Proven track record of developing and executing successful advocacy programs and working with government relations teams.
- Experience in managing social media platforms and developing social media strategies.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a mix of agency and corporate experience, as well as those with experience in a range of communications specialties, will be strongly considered.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $169,600 to $250,250 USD per year, which may include potential sales incentive payments (if applicable). Salary may vary depending on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location.
Benefits:
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- 401(k)
- FSA/HSA
- Life Insurance
- Paid Time Off
- Wellness Program
Working Hours: Varies upon the needs of the department.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate and may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and Visa's internal equity considerations.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Visa is a global leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories.
Company Size: Visa has 10,001+ employees worldwide, with a significant presence in the United States.
Founded: Visa was founded in 1958 and has since grown into a publicly-traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: V).
Company Description:
- Visa is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories.
- Visa's purpose is to uplift everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid.
- Visa offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, 401(k), FSA/HSA, life insurance, paid time off, and a wellness program.
Company Specialties:
- Global payments technology company
Company Website: https://corporate.visa.com/en/careers.html
ASSUMPTION: Visa's global presence and extensive experience in the digital payments industry make it an attractive employer for professionals seeking a challenging and impactful role.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the senior director level, indicating significant experience and responsibility.
Reporting Structure: The Sr. Director, North America Communications & Public Affairs will report directly to the Senior Vice President, North America Communications.
Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid position, with an expectation of days in the office confirmed by the hiring manager.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to grow within Visa's communications and public affairs department or explore other opportunities within the organization.
- Chance to work on high-visibility campaigns and events, such as the 2026 World Cup and 2025 Summer Olympics hosted in North America.
- Opportunity to develop and refine skills in strategic communications, project management, and stakeholder engagement.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to work on high-profile campaigns and develop their skills within a global organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Visa's Washington, DC office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and creativity.
Office Location(s): 900 Metro Center Blvd, Foster City, CA 94404, US
Geographic Context:
- Washington, DC is a major hub for government, politics, and international affairs, providing ample opportunities for networking and collaboration.
- The city offers a diverse range of cultural attractions, including museums, theaters, and historic sites.
- Washington, DC has a humid subtropical climate, with mild winters and warm, humid summers.
Work Schedule: This is a full-time position with a hybrid work arrangement, requiring an average of 40 hours per week, with some flexibility based on project demands.
ASSUMPTION: The Washington, DC office provides a dynamic and engaging work environment, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission and review
- Phone or video screen with a member of the HR team
- In-depth interview with the hiring manager and/or other team members
- Final interview with the Senior Vice President, North America Communications
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills, both written and verbal
- Strategic thinking and planning
- Project management and organizational skills
- Ability to work effectively across teams and with external partners
- Cultural fit and alignment with Visa's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
- Demonstrate your understanding of Visa's business and the specific requirements of this position in your application materials.
- Prepare examples of your past work that showcase your ability to develop and execute successful communications campaigns.
ATS Keywords: Strategic communications, public affairs, brand management, sponsorships, event management, project management, stakeholder engagement, media relations, digital media, social media strategy
ASSUMPTION: Visa's application process is designed to assess candidates' skills, experience, and cultural fit, with a focus on identifying the best fit for the role and the organization.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
- Social media management platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Sprout Social)
- Media monitoring and analytics tools (e.g., Mention, Brand24)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with industry-standard communications and project management tools is essential for success in this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Customer-centric
- Inclusive
- Innovative
- Trustworthy
- Collaborative
Work Style:
- Dynamic and fast-paced
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and focused on delivering impact
- Adaptable and responsive to change
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with Visa's customer-centric approach to communications?
- Describe your experience working in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
- How do you approach adapting to change and responding to new challenges in a fast-paced work environment?
ASSUMPTION: Visa values candidates who demonstrate a strong cultural fit, with a focus on customer-centricity, collaboration, and innovation.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple agencies, budgets, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Balancing the needs of various stakeholders, including employees, cardholders, policymakers, clients, customers, influencers, and media
- Adapting to changes in the communications landscape and Visa's business priorities
- Working effectively across teams and with external partners to deliver integrated communications campaigns
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges that require strong project management skills, adaptability, and the ability to work effectively across teams and with external partners.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on North America communications and public affairs, with a specific emphasis on Visa's sponsorship platforms and small business programs.
- Compared to similar roles in other regions or industries, this position offers a high degree of strategic influence and the opportunity to work on high-visibility campaigns and events.
- Career progression in this role may lead to opportunities in global communications or other senior leadership positions within Visa.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique combination of strategic influence, high-visibility campaigns, and opportunities for career growth within a global organization.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive communications campaign around Visa's sponsorship of the 2026 World Cup, including local market activations and stakeholder engagement.
- Creating and implementing a social media strategy to amplify Visa's support for small businesses and drive customer advocacy.
- Managing a team of agency partners to deliver a successful event series, such as a speaker tour or thought leadership conference, that showcases Visa's thought leadership and expertise in digital payments.
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic and tactical nature of the role, as well as the opportunity to work on high-visibility campaigns and events.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into Visa's overall communications and public affairs strategy?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does Visa support the professional development and growth of its communications and public affairs team members?
- What are the key challenges facing the North America communications and public affairs team, and how can this role help address them?
- How does Visa measure the success of its communications campaigns, and what metrics are most important for this role?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and your commitment to success.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link: https://jobs.smartrecruiters.com/Visa/744000055160773-sr-director-north-america-communications-public-affairs
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, demonstrating your understanding of Visa's business and the specific requirements of the position.
- Prepare examples of your past work that showcase your ability to develop and execute successful communications campaigns.
- Follow up with Visa's HR team one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
